Silverfish are small primitive insects that are found in
dark, damp, warm places throughout our homes. They prefer starchy materials such as
cereals, wallpaper and book bindings as food but in large populations they may do damage
to cotton and linen fabrics. These wingless insects slightly resemble firebrats
and are often called bristletails.

Silverfish Baits -- Maxforce
Complete, Intice Perimeter Bait
and Niban G are insect baits which have shown good
control of silverfish. Niban contains 5% boric acid. Intice Perimeter Bait contains 10%
boric acid and lasts up to 90 days outdoors.
Use these baits in flower beds, perimeter around the home, in attics and
crawl spaces as well as cracks and crevices indoors.

Chemical Control --
A good residual
insecticide such as, D-Fense SC,
Cyper WP, Cypermethrin
EC 4 Oz. or Demon should be applied every 3 weeks for
three separate sprayings. Products containing Cypermethrin (Cypermethrin EC 4 Oz., Cyper
WP, Demon) are the
best for silverfish. When used as directed, these products will also safely deter
other pests, with little or no odor. Pay particular attention to the molding at the
top of the rooms sprayed and behind bookcases, etc.
For population reduction and/or long-term control a professional bait can also be
used. Niban FG, Maxforce
Complete and Intice Perimeter
Bait are the best baits for silverfish
and are also labeled for roaches, ants and crickets.
In addition to a good residual spray indoors, providing a barrier on the outside surface
of the structure will aid in preventing future invasions from outdoors. Silverfish
will be found outside during the summer months. During these hot months a good
perimeter spray around the home is recommended. Using the same product that is
sprayed indoors, simply treat around doors, windows and other entry points. Also
spray any mulch or landscape timbers, retaining walls and other areas frequented by
silverfish, firebrats, roaches, ants, spiders and other pests. (See Our Gallery of Pests!)

Non-Chemical Control -- Use Silverfish Traps. Air conditioning, dehumidifiers and
increased air circulation will sometimes help to decrease silverfish populations wherever
practical. Removing the food source will help most. In basements and attics
these are most likely boxes of old clothes and books. In infested closets all
clothes should be removed, cleaned and returned after the chemical application has dried.